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This study was conducted in Wolaita area emphasized on species inventories, their cropping patterns and factors affecting species diversity. Simpson diversity index, Shannon Weir and other statistical tools were used. A total of 195 plant species which were deliberately cultivated by farmers were recorded. Out of the total species observed in the area; 68 were trees, 30 spices and medicinal plants, 12 vegetables, 36 ornamentals, 15 fruits, 9 root crops and tubers, legumes and cereals, 4 oil crops, 3 stimulants and 6 are other crop species. Among all crops Enset was the most common major and important crop for every house hold farm and Maize was a major crop with the largest area share in the locality. Physical and socioeconomic factors have affected diversity and composition of plant species. In the area different combinations are observed of which enset-maize and enset-maize sweet-potato combinations are much familiar and combined in 91 and 86% of the farms, respectively.

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Fikru Tarekegn D., MSC: Studied Horticulture at Hawassa University. BSC: studied Agricultural Extension at Alemaya University. Programs Coordinator in Dorcas Aid International Ethiopia.

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